Gum disease, also called gingivitis, is a serious gum infection that can affect the soft tissue and bones surrounding your teeth. It can start with gum inflammation, causing your gums to look red or even bleed when brushing and flossing. It can cause a number of symptoms, such as the following:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Gums that are red and swollen
- Receding gums
- Teeth loosening from their sockets
- Teeth shifting
- Sensitive teeth
- Teeth that appear longer due to gum recession
- Teeth appear brown or yellowish
Treatment for gum disease
Typically, gum disease can be treated with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. The procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
During gum disease treatment, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing all plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. If you have periodontitis, your dentist may recommend gum grafting. This involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and grafting it onto the gum line. This tissue will fuse to the gums, creating a protective barrier against bacteria.
After you’ve had gum disease treatment, it’s important to keep up with good oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day and flossing every day. You’ll also need to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Preventing gum disease
While gum disease treatments are effective, it is always best to prevent gum disease in the first place. There are a few things to remember about preventing gum disease:
- Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Plaque can form in hard-to-reach places, so it is important to brush and floss your teeth twice a day.
- Avoid tobacco products. Not only can smoking cause lung cancer and heart disease, but it can also increase your risk of gum disease.
- While brushing and flossing daily are necessary to keep teeth clean, regular dental checkups are also important. During these visits, your dentist can clean your teeth and evaluate them for signs of gum disease.
To find out more about the dental services offered at Cochise Caring Dentistry, call (520)-458-1989 or schedule an online consultation. You can Visit us at 66 North Garden Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ
